College fairs and visits from college representatives are a typical part of the college exploration process. Though often taken for granted as a standard part of college and career readiness (CCR) programs and offerings, these events provide many students the only opportunity they will have to get a deeper and more personalized perspective on a school beyond online information before applying. 

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Counselors and administrators can use these tips to increase the reach, impact, and engagement of college fairs and college representative visits. 

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1. When planning, survey students to find out which colleges they are interested in and which characteristics appeal to them. It is vital for students to have the opportunity at these events to learn more, ask questions about, and meet representatives from colleges they are interested in or hopeful to attend. And this list might extend beyond schools within your geographical region or common destinations for your alumni. Another important element of college fairs is having students learn about colleges and universities they might not be aware of that could be a great fit. In order to ensure your college fair or college rep visits include this wide diversity, find different ways to survey students and ask which schools are of interest and what qualities appeal to them. This kind of personalized planning can promote more meaningful engagement and interest between students and the college representatives at the fair.  

2. Before the college fair or visit, use multiple channels to communicate the event details to all students and families. In the information that is sent out, including a list of the colleges that will be represented can build enthusiasm and momentum for the event. You might pair the list with some key facts about the colleges to give students more information before the event. You could encourage students to use advisory periods or study halls to talk about the different schools and do additional research on the location, offerings, size, academic programs, and application processes. For specific visits from college representatives, you might share information about programs that are particularly strong at the college to appeal to students interested in certain fields or majors. And share information with students as young as freshman year. It is never too early to begin exploring and finding the right fit for a student’s postsecondary options. 

3. Include alumni in college fair events and visits. Including alumni from your school or district who have attended or are attending a particular college can be a powerful way to build connections between current students and future postsecondary plans. When possible, invite alumni to accompany the college rep so they can also meet with and talk with students. And even if they cannot be there in person, share if any students from your school or district have attended that school over the years. For particularly selective colleges or colleges that are far distances away, hearing that another student from similar circumstances was able to get in or be successful far away from home can make that dream seem possible. 

4. Build financial aid information and support into college fairs. Many students and families feel the cost of college is prohibitive to even consider certain options. At college fairs, be sure to include support staff and tables with information about federal and state financial aid, FAFSA, and scholarships. Schools and districts might have devices and support available to walk students through setting up FSA IDs. You could also include information about different scholarships students have received in the past, along with examples of financial aid packages for different income levels. This can help families understand that there are many different kinds of financial resources and support available to students that may make a school that feels out of reach financially possible. 

5. Share a guide for students to collect information to make the most of their time at the college fair. College fairs can be overwhelming with information. It can be hard to remember distinguishing features about a particular school, who to follow up with after the event, and possible questions to ask to get a more personalized sense of whether a college might be a good fit for a particular student. Consider sharing this College Fair and College Rep Visit Resource with students, or create your own, before an event. This will help prompt students to interact with the college representatives who are there, look for particular kinds of information that can be helpful in exploring schools, and remind them to document notes for future conversations and decision making. 

‍Create follow-up opportunities for students to share feedback and ask questions.

College fairs are intended to provide meaningful opportunities for students and families as they explore postsecondary options. WIth this in mind, take time to survey students and families after the event to see what was most helpful, what did not work, and what questions they have going forward. This information can be used to inform future planning for these events and to create additional opportunities for post-event support. Doing this allows schools and districts to continue to design CCR events and programs that truly are meeting the needs of their students and families and empowers students to take an active role in their future decision making